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Captivate without Data Plan

Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting the Captivate and I was wondering if I can get it without the $15/$30 per month data plan because 90% of the time I'm surrounded with wifi. I did some research and it says that AT&T will be able to track what phone your using with the IMEI number. I was wondering if I can bypass that if I get the Samsung Vibrant and then unlock it so I can use it with AT&T.
I also heard that data block might work is that true? Thanks for all the advice.

Seems kinda silly to get a smartphone and then cripple most of its functionality by not getting at least a minimal data plan. Even if you have ready access to wifi, there are situations where a little data access comes in handy.

I've got around att's data plan by taking a free dumbphone which i got with the "Add-a-line" option, and I swapped it out with an unlocked, not att branded device. Its been over 1.5 years, and I haven't had any data charge.
Just be careful the phone doesn't get any push email or anything like that. I once got charged for getting an email, because when you dont have a data plan, its pay per mb used
Its weird though, my friend did the same exact thing as me, but he bought a different phone, and he gets charged a data plan
EDIT: Actually, I think I got "grandfathered" in. You're most likely going to end up being forced into a data plan. Look at this article

It may sound silly but I am literally surrounded with free wifi wherever I go. Is there no way around this? What happens if I get a different smartphone instead?

If you use wifi there is no data plan utilized. AT&T has no idea what you do when you use wifi. Turn on wifi and enjoy email, the market, surfing...whatever you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm using edge on mine. I have tmobile and just unlocked the captivate so that i could bypass the data plan. You could probably do it the other way around
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

just get the phone, you will have to add the data plan to be able to buy it, but a few days later, tell them you lost it and you want to cancel the data, but tell them not only to cancel it, but to block it, because if they do not block it and you go online, they will charge you per MB of usage, but if they block it, there is no way to get any traffic if it isn't thru wifi

is that possible? wont they still be able to detect thatI'm using the Captivate?

A data plan is now required for any smartphone sold by AT$T or one of its authorized agents. So long as the SIM card is in it (it will show what phone it is in on the system and online in your account) they will not cancel the data plan for you. What some people do is put the SIM in a dumb phone, call and cancel their data plan, and then reinstall the SIM to their smartphone. Better be sure you don't use any data, though.
I found a couple of things that absolutely require a data plan and can not be done over wifi. For one, I have Market setup to bill to my AT$T account. When I buy an app this way I have to be on data connection, not wifi, or the charge does not go through. I'm guessing my account info needed to approve the purchase is not accessible via wifi. I also had a program tell me to turn off wifi so it could connect. Can't remember what it was, but it could not work over wifi, only the data connection. aGPS needs a data connection, as well, so you'd be rendering all your GPS apps useless without a data plan.

Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.

so nothing can be done?

kenwarez said:
so nothing can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work

rastanthology said:
I'm not from USA and I don't know much about your carriers, but coudn't you alegate that the data service drains your battery till the.point you find your phone unusable and ask for at&t to block it threatening of changing your provider? The last part works for almost anything in my country. Also with a good excuse you can build up a consumers defense case asking to be removed from the plan. Like phone racism, all phones should be able to access all plans, and if for example you are on a no data area they are charging you more for the same service.
Just a few ideas... not sure if any of them could work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the iphone was the only ATT phone they could force you to have a data plan on even when purchased off contract? I know they may try to turn on your data plan if you are using an off contract but in my past experience when you raise a fuss they take it back off and say it was a mistake (this was on my last phone...a TILT 2). I had purchased it off contract and after a about 1.5 years use without data plan one day i got a text saying it was required and had been added. Logged onto my account and couldn't disable. Called them and told them i did not want the plan added, that i had purchased the phone off contract, and had been completely happy using it for the past 1.5 years without a data plan. They said it was a mistake and removed it. Continued to use it for another 6 to 7 months without data plan then finally decided to add an unlimited plan before they disappeared.
Unless something has changed (which it may have) the iphone was the only phone that they forced the data plan on even when you purchased it without any discount or part of a 2 year agreement to have a plan.

alaimar said:
Process of putting a sim into a dumb phone used to work but it no longer does. Only customers that are grandfathered in can use a smartphone without a data plan provided they did not sign a new 2 year contract agreeing to the new terms and conditions. With a recent upgrade to their system they can detect what type of device the sim is in resulting in a text :data will be automatically added your account.
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Click to collapse
ah..sounds like it has changed this use to only apply to iphone...didn't matter how or when you purchased them once the system saw it you were getting a data plan like it or not.

Look at any smartphone on the AT$T site. All have an asterisk stating that a data plan is required. You used to be able to request a data block, but their thinking now is that if you buy a smartphone on contract, you are doing so knowing that some level of data plan is required. AT$T has no obligation to customers that buy phones from other sources like eBay and Craig's List. I had a grandfathered $15 unlimited data plan since February 2009 that I used with my LG Incite. Last July I bought an HTC Tilt 2 off eBay. Almost as soon as I put my SIM into it AT$T tried to upgrade my data plan (since it was not a smartphone plan) I told them I did not want them to change anything as I would not be using the Tilt 2 for long and would probably be using my upgrade (new contract) in December. They weren't happy about it, but they left me alone until I did just that and got the Captivate a couple weeks ago. They are trying to close the loopholes and move people to one of the current data plans they offer. What does piss me off is that they still have the true unlimited data plans (no caps) available just for iPhone customers.

alaimar said:
Only way is purchasing an unlocked smartphone from a different country. At&t system goes by imei and if it can't recognize the serial it will not classify it as a smartphone. I'm sure there is another way with all the custom options out there but not sure about that one.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but no. If AT&T decides to carry that phone later, it will be sweep into the AT&T data plans. It happened to my Rogers X10a. Once AT&T decided carrying it, I got a text message that they were switching me to the proper data plan. So hope that whatever unlocked phone you want to buy will never be sold by AT&T.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Like I said before, are you sure you can't just unlock the Vibrant from T mobile and use that without the data plan? Sure, it isn't the captivate, but it is basically the same thing and could work. I purchased my captivate from some guy off contract and all I had to do was unlock it and it works perfectly without a data plan on T-mobile.

does the sim card affect anything because I have a Cingular SIM card.

I bought a locked at&t captivate on ebay for my girlfriend and she's been using it for almost 3 months now with no data plan and at&t has not added one to her line yet. the asterisk on the at&t website saying a data plan is required is only to get that discounted price on the phone itself. ($200 instead of $500 or whatever)

[Q] Straight Talk

Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?

----BUMP----

I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?

avgjoegeek said:
I thought that straight talk was through Verizon.. maybe it was called something else.
I know that the phones are on the "low-end" range of devices - and I doubt you could move your current phone to use this service.
I'd suggest searching the ol' intarwebs and see what the reviews are of it's service/availability.
It'd be nice to have all that in a 50$ package - but if you don't get service as soon as you walk out the store what would be the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates

rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 char

rootnik said:
It is, with the exception of these 2 new "smart" phones. These run off the at&t network. Evidently wal-mart is big enough to pull this off.
I'd be willing to bet that ATT will be paying close attention to the IMEI, I don't think we would get away with using the straight talk unlimited plans with our captivates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.

derek4484 said:
I was hoping that somebody on here would have tried it already. I personally dont know anybody that has one, otherwise I'd put their sim card in my phone and see what happens.
The two phones on straight talk are legit smart phones and could burn through some serious data, same as we an do with our captivates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is AT&T.
Currently they do IMEI sweeps to make sure you are paying for a data plan if you have a smart phone. I found this out the hard way last week when they automatically added a data plan to my wife's iphone even though she did not use a single byte of data.
How does this relate? While those straight talk phones are smart phones capable of using allot of data, they are not near as nice or as comfortable to use as our captivates. You are more likely to use more data with a captivate, and they know this.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already have measure in place to periodically check the imei to make sure it matches one of the "acceptable" smart phones. Acceptable meaning not very fun to use
I think you would get away with it for a few weeks, but eventually would be shot down.

Actually several people have used the the sim card out of straight talks nokia e71 and used it in there Iphone for sometime now. I have an old AT&T Fuze and everything works but MMS.

derek4484 said:
Walmart's Straight Talk cellular service now offers two GSM phones, the Nokia E71 and something else. I'm pretty sure they're on AT&T's network (Data specs say 3G - 850/1900 bands). So if I got one of them and their $45 unlimited plan, would that sim card work in my captivate?
My bill is $95/month and thats with only 450 mins, 1500 texts, and the iphone grandfathered data plan. Straight talk offers unlimited data, texts, and minutes for $45/month.
Has anybody tried this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To directly answer your question, I placed the Sim from my sons StraightTalk Samsung slider phone into my Captivate and the message "Sim Card Crashed" appeared on the captivates's display. This did not actually crash the sim card, but I think that it just appeared crashed to the Captivate. If somebody out there was able to get a Captivate working in this manner, it would be nice if they posted detailed step by step instructions on it.

[RUMOR] Verizon was handling Straight Talk, but someone got their panties in a wad and more its att. They are slowly changing thing over. My brother has ST, and was fed up with lack of vzw service on his ST phone. He called raising h*#$ and they offered to send him a sim card for a gsm phone (his old att leftover), and things have been good for him ever since.
FYI: Straight Talk is the monthly service branch of TracPhone.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)

Basically yes it is possible to get your captivate working on straight talk. Technically there's a bunch of bs you have to go through to get it to work though.

[Q] Help: AT&T Wants to disconnect my Galaxy Note

I've had the galaxy note now for about 2 weeks on AT&T...Everything working really well...then:
I got a strange text today that said my phone does not match my data plan and service would be interrupted if I didnt call them.
I called AT&T and the rep said my IMEI matches a galaxy tab (ie. NOT a phone) and I cant keep my data plan. He said the only thing he could give me was a DATA ONLY PLAN and that I wouldnt be able to make calls!
What can I do? Did I just get a stupid rep?
Please help!
I love the Note, BTW and do NOT want to loose it!
EDIT: I did install the Samsung 2.3.6 OTA update about 4 days ago...in case that makes a difference
UPDATE:
I spoke to a different rep who went through all the same crap again. But after much wait time said that he opened a case number for support to address it and that it should be taken care of in 3 business days.
I do have my old unlimited data plan, so I wonder if that is causing the problem.
Just curious though are others having this issue on AT&T?

ATT does not give a **** about what you want. that's the problem. Do consider switching the hell away from them.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

The galaxy note is a cross between a phone and a tab. That's probably why they want to kick you out of your plan and put you in a new one. The irony is that it's going to probably be making an appearance eventually. Try talking to a nother rep.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Danm I hope this doesn't happen to me.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank

ChodTheWacko said:
Let's guess - you are trying to use the dumbphone plan and got busted.
Usually this happens by:
1) Not using the dumbphone APN and using the smartphone/4g APN. (the dumbphone APN is the cingular 410 one in my FAQ)
2) Accidentally warning AT&T by telling the rep you have a smartphone, or asking for a 4g/smartphone sim card.
When either of the above happens, they generally block medianet to your phone and require you to get a smartphone.
You may be able to play dumb and say, 'oh, I didn't know I couldn't use that phone' then use a dumbphone till they reactivate your data. Then switch back.
But you'll need to figure out what you did wrong or you'll just get locked out in 2 weeks (or sooner) again.
Actually, I am guessing you are totally screwed - they apparently have the IMEI your note registered as a smartphone/tablet.
Even if they reactivate your data with another phone, as soon as you use your Note again, it's going to send its IMEI (which they now know about) and you'll get blocked again.
You're going to have to bite the bullet and get a regular smartphone data plan.
I have always thought it would be a matter of time before either:
1) AT&T starts looking up IMEI numbers differently so they recognize international smartphones. (it's shouldn't be that hard, to be honest)
2) They monitor data usage - dumbphones shouldn't be pulling massive amounts of data, although my friend with a featurephone says she can watch movies.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)

I hate the fact that the force you to have a data plan. I'm on tmo and they offer a pay as you need plan. Cost me zero bucks unless I need data. I also have mifi from Vzon if im not by a wifi spot. This works great for me and my family.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Go to an AT&T store, show them your phone & get a real smartphone plan.

I just got the same text and email today. I have had my phone for about 5 days now. I have the iPhone unlimited data plan. I'm wondering if it has to do with flash being on the note or maybe the h+ speeds I'm getting. Are there specific apn settings that I'm supposed to put in? I want to call them but I also don't want to give them my imei number. I paid to much for this phone not to be able to use it.

danteusel said:
I'm not sure what the official data plan name is called, but I dont think it's a "dumbphone" plan...It's unlimited data & text, and I've used it for years, lastly for 18 months with the dell streak 5 without issue (well, without issues beyond the usual with AT&T!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one, though? how much are you paying for month?
- Frank

Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969

This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
Funny, I also got this text/email from AT&T today. I opened a new thread at the Q&A forum. Didn't know there was a thread already.
Quote
I just received a text and email from AT&T today saying they disabled my data because they detected that I put my sim card into a data connect device. When I called to question them about it, they said their system detected my phone as the Samsung GT-P7501. I googled this model # and it's the new Germany version of the Samsung Tab 10.1. I really don't understand how or why their system detected this model. I don't think it's even possible to buy this tablet at the moment! Did any one else encounter a similar problem?
I was on the $10 unlimited data plan and used the wap.cingular APN setting.
Unquote
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371969
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
ChodTheWacko said:
This could be a huge problem.
They could be lumping the Galaxy Note with the Galaxy Tab 7.
I recall AT&T isn't allowing the Galaxy Tab 7 to receive phone calls, as they consider it a tablet even though it has a cellular antenna. They only offer a data plan for it.
If they try to pull the same stunt on the Galaxy note, this could be trouble.
This will have to be escalated somehow. Keep us informed.
- Frank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.

RMXO said:
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------
RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
I have a Galaxy Note on an unlimited 4G plan using the 4G APN & I have yet to get a call from AT&T. I'm sorry but if the OP was using a MediaNet plan & used the wrong APN, its his fault & not AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I be on a legit 4G plan when they shouldn't be able to detect it as a smartphone? This is part of the beauty of buying an international phone, AT&T can't detect (usually) what you're using so you can use the cheapest plan possible. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who does this. I been doing this since the original galaxy phone came out and never had a problem.

starbuck123 said:
I have the same problem and I NEVER used the 4G APN setting. I know better, I always use the wap.cingular APN setting. The strange thing is, they didn't detect it as a smartphone, they detected as a tablet from another country that was just released a couple of weeks ago?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is getting smart & starting to crack down on ppl having an international phone & using a medianet plan. AT&T probably has people reading sites like this & know of the loophole.

So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to an AT&T store & have the rep see it's actually a phone & get a 4G smartphone plan. Don't deal with CS on the phone because they can't see the Note for themselves.
I brought my Note to an AT&T store & they initially asked me if it was a tablet. I told them, "nope, it's a phone". They said, cool & gave me a new sim card after I used my upgrade on an iP4s.

Darrius777 said:
So would it be better for us to go to an AT&T store or to just call customer service from our phone? I figured that if we went to the store then they could at least see that it's a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.

RMXO said:
That's your problem. I bet if you had a legit 4G smartphone plan, you would of never gotten a call from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please reread the original post.
The issue is not 'you should be on a more expensive unlimited data plan'.
The issue is AT&T Is saying 'your device can't have voice. Just data.'
This is similar to this:
www.groubal.com/att-is-price-gouging-by-disabling-device-features-must-read/
---------- Post added at 05:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------
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starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the OP's case, I don't think he has an option.
AT&T's lookup system thinks the IMEI is a tablet that doesn't get phone service.
The only way for him to disprove that is to go into a store and show them the note and point out it's running Gingerbread, and therefore it is a phone not a tablet. Once they do that, they will allow voice again, but he'll have to use a smartphone plan after that.
- Frank

starbuck123 said:
That depends on what kind of data plan you want to be on. Do you want to try to get the $10 unlimited non smartphone plan back (assuming you were on it) or just use the "smartphone data" plan? If you don't mind being on the 2gb smartphone data plan for $25, go to the store and show it to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm the the iPhone unlimited data plan and I don't want to lose it.

AT&T, T-Mobile: Data Plan Only?

I just want AT&T's DataPro 2GB plan. No voice, no SMS, just data. Here are a few questions:
-Will I be able to use the (imported) Galaxy Note's IMEI to activate the SIM card, or will I have to acquire some other IMEI for activation? Are there legal issues associated with borrowing an IMEI for this purpose?
-Will AT&T try to force me, at some point, to purchase voice services as well? I'm worried that things will change once they start carrying and selling the Galaxy Note themselves (with contracts.)
-If this is the case, will T-Mobile be any different? There's always the option of going with a data-only provider like Clear, but it's a bit more inconvenient because I'd have to carry around a dongle.

I found this post. It looks like Spartan2x is doing exactly what I'm looking for.
Spartan2x said:
I use a ATT iPad SIM and use the device as a Data Only phone. You can get a Tablet SIM for $25 a month that gives you 2GB's and $10 for each add'l GB.(I have a old unlimited though)
I used google voice and GrooVeIP to handle voice/text and its crystal clear for me.
I typically get 6mbps down and 1.5mbps, but I have gotten 8mbps down and 2.5mbps up at the start of my driveway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is all that's really left of my questions:
a) how does one go about getting a tablet SIM with AT&T?
b) will AT&T allow this, or will they eventually force all Note users to pay a smartphone plan?

jayjech said:
I found this post. It looks like Spartan2x is doing exactly what I'm looking for.
So this is all that's really left of my questions:
a) how does one go about getting a tablet SIM with AT&T?
b) will AT&T allow this, or will they eventually force all Note users to pay a smartphone plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google "Buy a session AT&T" and that should help ya!
FYI, T-Mobile 3/4G isn't compatible with the Note at this time (unless and until they come out with their own version).

Thank you, Jade Eyed Wolf! That is exactly what I was looking for.

jayjech said:
Thank you, Jade Eyed Wolf! That is exactly what I was looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy to help!

FYI...
jayjech said:
So this is all that's really left of my questions:
b) will AT&T allow this, or will they eventually force all Note users to pay a smartphone plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I entered my German Note's IMEI at the Buy a Session site, the only option monthly option I was presented was the outrageous rate for "computers/aircards/other" of $50 for 1GB/month. I found out the hard way that AT&T only offers the data-only domestic "tablet" plans with specifically approved devices, e.g. iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc.
It seems the only way to get a decent data-only plan with AT&T (unless you're legally deaf) is to sign up using an "AT&T approved" tablet IMEI. You could do this and then use that SIM card in your Note, but that route seems like it could be considered fraudulent; definitely if you don't own the tablet that you borrowed the IMEI from.
Furthermore, I read through AT&T's Terms of Service and they have a provision against using the data service ii) as a substitute or backup for private lines, landlines or full-time or dedicated data connections; So it would seem that using Google Voice over 3G on AT&T is in violation of the agreement.
This is very frustrating. I guess the only legitimate options (aside from submitting entirely to the will of the carriers) is to either become some sort of wifi gypsy who wanders from access point to access point, or to carry around one of those hotspot dongles. Hopefully in the near future someone like Google will step in and provide reasonable access to a 3G data service with a few less of these ridiculous provisions, restrictions, and fees.

TMobile $30 5GB plan DOES NOT WORK on Nexus 7 GSM!

Got my SIM card yesterday from T-Mobile.com
Got my Nexus 7 GSM today.
Cut up my full sized sim to fix into micro sim slot. Worked fine.
Inserted SIM into tablet. Got signal. So far so good.
Nexus 7 doesn't have Phone.apk or MMS.apk on launcher.
Fired up Wi-Fi, went to go Play Store.
Installed Go SMS Pro.
Set up my sim card online. Activated with $30 100 minutes, UL txt, 5GB plan.
Had to retry "nearest city" options and zip codes, but eventually got it to work.
Got my SMS notification on my tablet saying account is good.
Refilled for a month.
Got my SMS notification of the refill.
Setup a T-Mobile account with my prepaid number. All good.
0KB used.
Reboot tablet. I get "Sign into network" which is a html redirect page.
Every page redirects to sign in page. Can never sign in.
Research online.
Turns out it's detected as a tablet. IMEIs are apparently flagged by T-Mobile.
BAH!
I'll root and mess around my /efs/nv_data.bin and reboot back, but so far :-/
Edit: No /efs folder

CLShortFuse said:
Got my SIM card yesterday from T-Mobile.com
Got my Nexus 7 GSM today.
Cut up my full sized sim to fix into micro sim slot. Worked fine.
Inserted SIM into tablet. Got signal. So far so good.
Nexus 7 doesn't have Phone.apk or MMS.apk on launcher.
Fired up Wi-Fi, went to go Play Store.
Installed Go SMS Pro.
Set up my sim card online. Activated with $30 100 minutes, UL txt, 5GB plan.
Had to retry "nearest city" options and zip codes, but eventually got it to work.
Got my SMS notification on my tablet saying account is good.
Refilled for a month.
Got my SMS notification of the refill.
Setup a T-Mobile account with my prepaid number. All good.
0KB used.
Reboot tablet. I get "Sign into network" which is a html redirect page.
Every page redirects to sign in page. Can never sign in.
Research online.
Turns out it's detected as a tablet. IMEIs are apparently flagged by T-Mobile.
BAH!
I'll root and mess around my /efs/nv_data.bin and reboot back, but so far :-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks.
While I'm probably going to go with the $15 AT&T plan, the $30 TMO plan you referenced sounds like a perfect one for people who want a lot of data, SMS capabilities and some minutes for light talk usage. I was hoping it would work. Have you tried talking to T-Mobile about it?
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully there is a solution.

phonic said:
That really sucks.
While I'm probably going to go with the $15 AT&T plan, the $30 TMO plan you referenced sounds like a perfect one for people who want a lot of data, SMS capabilities and some minutes for light talk usage. I was hoping it would work. Have you tried talking to T-Mobile about it?
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully there is a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the $15 AT&T plan (actually $10 unlimited) that I'm using for my Galaxy Note 10.1. I would try swapping around but the sim sizes are different. I'm pretty sure that TMobile will say that the Nexus 7 is a data-only device and won't let me do it.
Google has stripped WiFi tethering, MMS and Phone from the device and I'm sure it's no coincidence.

CLShortFuse said:
I have the $15 AT&T plan (actually $10 unlimited) that I'm using for my Galaxy Note 10.1. I would try swapping around but the sim sizes are different. I'm pretty sure that TMobile will say that the Nexus 7 is a data-only device and won't let me do it.
Google has stripped WiFi tethering, MMS and Phone from the device and I'm sure it's no coincidence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Stripped" might be too strong a word.
The non-3G versions never had any of those functions. I think it's more likely that they simply chose not (or forgot) to include them in the 3G version.
SMS actually does work, but inbound only (according to rumors) by default. But you can apparently use an SMS app to do outbound fine. There is another thread discussing the phone mod. Apparently a framework change can enable it, but no one has been able to test whether it works or not yet to place calls.
I imagine it would be trivial for a developer to add tethering support, though I don't see the need personally. Most people only care about tethering a non-3G tablet to a phone, not the other way around.
What $10 AT&T plan? Is that the "share your data" plan or an independent pre-paid one?
I don't need a lot of data, but I want to be able to have some if necessary. I also don't want to pay too much for it. $15 seems reasonable, but $10 is better - assuming I don't already need to have a phone with them.

Did you register your sim to N7 IMEI or normal phone IMEI? Wonder if that makes a difference.

Did you ensure the APN was what phones use for data rather than tablets/modems? Tweakker on the market will set it for you if you are unsure.

isosunrise said:
Did you register your sim to N7 IMEI or normal phone IMEI? Wonder if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did all 1s a couple of times but I when I successfully activated I used the N7 IMEI and changed the "nearest city" option. I strongly doubt that was the issue since other people who have this problem with the TMobile branded Springboard say the SIM works on other devices. I can't test this since I have no other device (tablet or smartphone) that takes microSIM.
jdsemler said:
Did you ensure the APN was what phones use for data rather than tablets/modems? Tweakker on the market will set it for you if you are unsure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked them all manually. They were a little different than standard APNs (had a masked password and server field), but I modified them. I was still redirected. I'm pretty sure it's IMEI detection. I'll try it anyway. Edit: Tweaker is not supported on Play Store. I'll have to search for the APK

CLShortFuse said:
I checked them all manually. They were a little different than standard APNs (had a masked password and server field), but I modified them. I was still redirected. I'm pretty sure it's IMEI detection. I'll try it anyway. Edit: Tweaker is not supported on Play Store. I'll have to search for the APK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow operators starting to b a-holes eh?

Look for Tweakker with two k's

When I try to install Tweakker from the store, Google Play reports that it is not compatible with my N7. (I did upgrade it to 4.2.)

phonic said:
"Stripped" might be too strong a word.
The non-3G versions never had any of those functions. I think it's more likely that they simply chose not (or forgot) to include them in the 3G version.
SMS actually does work, but inbound only (according to rumors) by default. But you can apparently use an SMS app to do outbound fine. There is another thread discussing the phone mod. Apparently a framework change can enable it, but no one has been able to test whether it works or not yet to place calls.
I imagine it would be trivial for a developer to add tethering support, though I don't see the need personally. Most people only care about tethering a non-3G tablet to a phone, not the other way around.
What $10 AT&T plan? Is that the "share your data" plan or an independent pre-paid one?
I don't need a lot of data, but I want to be able to have some if necessary. I also don't want to pay too much for it. $15 seems reasonable, but $10 is better - assuming I don't already need to have a phone with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On any AT&T family plan with shared unlimited messaging, you can add unlimited data for $10 on dumbphones. If you don't have shared unlimited texting then it's $15/mo per dumbphone
Also, TMobile will let you use your voice plan package if you accept to pay an additional $15/mo to use "Mobile Broadband" which is using it on data-only devices (laptops/tablets)
jdsemler said:
Look for Tweakker with two k's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you download it from the app store and upload the apk?

I'm confused. You put your SIM card into the device after cutting it down and once you booted it up, you had signal? You saw the H and everything? But you could not access tmo's data network immediately? But then you logged into the play store with wifi?

adamhlj said:
I'm confused. You put your SIM card into the device after cutting it down and once you booted it up, you had signal? You saw the H and everything? But you could not access tmo's data network immediately? But then you logged into the play store with wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. I've already been shuttling a cut-down T-Mobile SIM between devices. When I have the SIM in the Nexus 7, I get a 3G or an H, but then when I try to make any web requests, I get redirected to My T-Mobile. (In addition, Android prompts me with a "Sign into network" item in the notification area.) I can log back into My T-Mobile with any browser, but that doesn't accomplish anything.
I then connect to the Play Store over WiFi but it won't let me download Tweakker.

smerrill said:
That's correct. I've already been shuttling a cut-down T-Mobile SIM between devices. When I have the SIM in the Nexus 7, I get a 3G or an H, but then when I try to make any web requests, I get redirected to My T-Mobile. (In addition, Android prompts me with a "Sign into network" item in the notification area.) I can log back into My T-Mobile with any browser, but that doesn't accomplish anything.
I then connect to the Play Store over WiFi but it won't let me download Tweakker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had you activated that sim card before on another phone? I am curious if you can activate it first one a phone, say a One S because it uses the micro sim, maybe thats all it needs? Hmm...

adamhlj said:
Had you activated that sim card before on another phone? I am curious if you can activate it first one a phone, say a One S because it uses the micro sim, maybe thats all it needs? Hmm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I've been using the SIM with an adapter in a Galaxy Nexus and an unlocked iPhone 4S just fine, and I have it happily getting data in my Galaxy Nexus as we speak.

smerrill said:
Yes. I've been using the SIM with an adapter in a Galaxy Nexus and an unlocked iPhone 4S just fine, and I have it happily getting data in my Galaxy Nexus as we speak.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys for letting us know that Tmobile has blocked this. I kind of expect this since they have been cracking down...on the switching SIMS between different devices types.
Specially with them in touch with google on Nexus 4 and also were preparing to partner with Google to sell the Nexus 7 3G with a Tmobile SIM (like Google is doing with ATT) according to some leaked Tmo news pictures..., We should have expected this already.
It was a few months back they blocked the opposite: using data broadband plans SIM in unlocked phones like Nexus. We used to be able to do that.
Still it's unfortunate. Thanks for saving me to try the same and be stucked with a SIM i can not use effectively. To the OP; you can still use the micro SIM in a regular device without an adapter. You just need to position it right and may be try a couple times. I did not this until I saw somebody do it. Since then if I have cut a sim, I can still use it without an adapter. Just make sure you position it right....by try and error...or by inserting a regular SIM and picking up where the metal needs to touch the phone.
For all if you really want Tmobile...you can use the Special Walmart plan...which gives 60 days if you buy the $35 or $50 plans. To a point it may be equal or better deal than the 5gig $30.....depends if you do not use too much data...you can use: $35 for 3.5 gig for 60 days....or $50 5 gig for 60 days.
That's the way I may go or I may go the way of Ultra Mobile MVNO which is coming up with pay as you go @ 4.9 cents per mb in January. This is expensive but it's 4g hspa+ pay as you go to use only while needing fast data in areas where no wifi is there or my freedom hotspot has reach is fast 500 mb limit or no Clear coverage is being picked up.
We should also try to see if Tmobile is doing the same blocking while using MVNO....plans. If that's the case then the above Ultra plan won't help. In order to get better data deals we would need Voice/data plans from mvno..But that in itself is not useful unless we're able to enable both voice...and data on 3g nexus. Ultra has plans with data or voice only while data costing 2 cents per mb. Or Straightalk/Net10 $45 plans if only the voice can also be enabled.
MVNO do not usually have good deals on data only plans.
On the other side ATT broadband plans are interesting for 3gb for $30. Not quite 5 gig but better coverage.

nashi20002003 said:
For all if you really want Tmobile...you can use the Special Walmart plan...which gives 60 days if you buy the $35 or $50 plans. To a point it may be equal or better deal than the 5gig $30.....depends if you do no use too much data...on your use: $35 for 3.5 gig for 60 days....or 5 gig for 60 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share some more info on this plan?
I just signed up for the AT&T $15 30day/250MB plan. But this sounds a lot better!
I'm generally around Wi-Fi, so don't need a ton of data. But I'd rather pay (effectively) $15/month for 2-2.5GB then 250MB.

phonic said:
Can you share some more info on this plan?
I just signed up for the AT&T $15 30day/250MB plan. But this sounds a lot better!
I'm generally around Wi-Fi, so don't need a ton of data. But I'd rather pay (effectively) $15/month for 2-2.5GB then 250MB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well......doing some reading I got this from Walmart....Not good news. Now I understand why when I switched my SIM from a USB stick device bought at Walmart to a USB stick sent by Tmobile it kept blocking me and redirecting me as with the OP.... It took multiple support calls to Tmobile tech reps...to no avail. Until the recreated my account with free data posted to it and with the regular 30 days limit. They told me I could switch back to the Walmart special at the end of the month...but never was able to get it done....I ended up selling the USB stick....so it seems there's IMEI checking on SIM activated with the 60 days specials....so this won't help on Nexus 3G
Access 4G Internet on the go with the T-Mobile $35 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Pass. It offers 3.5GB of data usage and is good for 60 days only at Walmart. Pass is only eligible on broadband devices purchased at a Walmart after 6/1/2012. The pass includes no activation fee, no annual contract, no credit check and no overages. And it works with any new T-Mobile Laptop Stick or mobile hotspot purchased at Walmart. If you regularly surf the web, check email and update your social network, this card is a good choice.
T-Mobile $35 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Pass (Email Delivery):
Provides 3.5GB of data usage
*Good for 60 days
No activation fee, annual contract, credit check or overages
Works with any T-Mobile Internet device
*60 day pass is only eligible on broadband devices purchased at Walmart after 6/1/2012

THis pretty much sums up how I feel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYwWKEc8c88
Ironically, as soon as I posted this, I got the shipping notification at 3 AM CST. But Im still sad about the tmo thing not working

I had hoped that I could use my 3g Nexus 7 on the $30 tmobile plan. I was thinking of registering on the plan when I traveled. I guess the only hope is that someone figures out a work around or tmobile offers a decent data plan. At least, I was primarily planning to use 3g overseas.
It looks like I will be teathering my N7 for for data when away from wifi. This is a pain. In addition, I could have waited and ordered my 3g N7 from B&H Photo and avoided shipping and tax.